Newcastle United and Everton legends looking forward to Scottish Gas Murrayfield clash

Graeme, who scored an impressive 160 goals in 477 appearances for the Toffees in an 11-year spell, was in awe of the home of Scottish rugby, as he took a first look around the stadium.

As was Dummett, describing Scottish Gas Murrayfield as one of the best when asked where it would rank if he’d had the chance to play here during a career which saw him spend the majority with his boyhood club.

“Growing up in Glasgow, I was always aware of Murrayfield and would pass it when we’d come through for a day at Edinburgh Zoo,” Graeme reminisced. “We’d always see the stadium coming through on the righthand side.

“This is my first time in it… And just wow. You think of all the greats who have graced that rugby pitch in front of us – it’s just incredible.

“This stadium is a huge part of Scottish sporting history. It’s a fantastic stadium with a fantastic history. I’d love to be out playing there with the atmosphere.”

“You look at the size of the stadium and it’s just humongous,” Paul adds whilst sitting in the stands. “It would be good to see it full for this game.

“Edinburgh is not too far for Newcastle fans to travel up, so hopefully, we can get a good following to come and support the team and the stadium is bouncing.”

A football crowd in Scotland is not unfamiliar to Paul, who enjoyed a trophy-winning season on loan at St Mirren, lifting the Scottish League Cup in 2012-13.

“I’ve played in a lot of grounds in Scotland, and they are filled with passionate people,” the former Newcastle defender added.

“Everton and Newcastle fans will be the same for this game. We want it to be a great occasion for them and for the neutral fans who can come and watch two really good Premier League teams.”

It may be a pre-season friendly, but it is certainly set to be a competitive affair between the two teams, who so often play out entertaining contests whilst on Premier League duty.

And with this match taking place the week before the new competitive season kicks off, David Moyes’ Everton and Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United will want to put on an encouraging showing.

“Ahead of the Premier League season, it’s important to see how the teams are looking after the summer and the transfer window,” Graeme explained. “Hopefully, we’ll see a few new players on both sides.

“Everton will be going into the new season full of hope and optimism. They started the season well last year but unfortunately fell away when there was the possibility of being in Europe.

“They’ll be looking for a fresh start and will want to see that begin here at Murrayfield.”

Having just retired in late 2025, Paul worked with Magpies manager Eddie and played alongside some of those still involved in the Newcastle squad.

After a season which, he says, did not reflect the ambitions of his former club, Paul believes the Toon Army – both the team and supporters – will arrive in Edinburgh looking for a positive experience.

“Newcastle done well in Europe, but the Premier League season wasn’t what they’d hoped,” he explained.

“Any pre-season game is important because it definitely does give players confidence, especially if it is against another Premier League team.

“Both teams will come here wanting to win, so it should make for a great game.

“Eddie Howe is intense in everything that he does. Whether it is pre-season or not, he won’t treat it any differently to a normal Premier League fixture.

“He will have the team prepared, especially when a lot of fans are going to travel to be here. He will want the team to start pre-season positively and will want them to bring intensity to the game for the fans to enjoy.”

Across both teams, there are set to be a number of star players on show, with Graeme and Paul providing their suggestions on who fans should watch from their respective former clubs.

“There are a few, but one who springs to mind is Iliman Ndiaye, who is fabulous. Graeme said on Everton’s potential standout performers. “He had a tough season, but ability wise I don’t think there is anyone better.

“Then you’ve got James Gardner, who unfortunately just missed out on the England squad, Dewsbury-Hall was another good signing who was excellent and then you have England’s number one – goalkeeper Jordon Pickford.”

And for Newcastle, Paul believes two midfielders with flare might catch the eye if they are to take to the Scottish Gas Murrayfield pitch.

“Newcastle have a good squad and you never know who they are going to bring in, so there could be someone new and exciting,” he said.

“The fan favourites would be Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. They are the ones who are most talked about and who I’d say to watch.”

Tickets for Newcastle United vs Everton on Wednesday 12 August are now on sale. Get yours here!